What new ski areas do you want to try this season? (2004-05)

[Greg]

This is sort of the antithesis to the Home Ski Mountain? thread. What ski areas that you've never beeen to do you want to try this season? For me, I'd like to get to Magic and Mad River Glen. I'd also like to try Burke, but that will probably require an overnight stay (as will MRG). I can do Magic as a day trip. I also might try to get to Sunapee. Finally, although I first went last year, by hook or by crook, I have to get to Sugarloaf mid-season this year!

 

[teachski]

I'd really like to get out of New England to ski this year, but I don't know if that will happen. In NE, I'd like to add or revisit(haven't been for years) the following areas:
Sugarbush, MRG, Pico, Bromley, Magic, Sugarloaf, Wildcat....
and of course some of the smaller areas like Yawgoo and some of those in CT.

 

[Terry]

new places to ski this year

I would like to get to saddleback this year. We went there last year on a weekend trip to sugarloaf, but it was so windy that they shut down the lifts so we spent several hours in the bar instead. I got a good feeling about the place and want to go back. Also I want to hit Killington, Mount Snow, and Pico since bI bought the asc all east pass deal. Can't wait for snow to fly. :beer:

 

[RISkier]

I'd really like to try Burke, but it's definately not a day trip for us. I'd like to try Sugarloaf -- we have a friend who has a connection to a condo up there, we tried to do a weekend last Spring but couldn't make it work, maybe this year. I'd kind of like to try Berkshire East, Butternut, and Crotched -- all realistic day trips.

 

[ChileMass]

Wildcat for the views, Jay Peak for the snow and Sugarbush just cuz i ain't ever been there......

 

[riverc0il]

i'm surprised to hear burke isn't a day trip for you guys from RI and CT. can't you just jump on I-91 and zip straight up there greg? it's just under 3 hours from boston so i wouldn't think it would be more than 3-4 hours or so from CT or RI. burke is by the the easiest and quickest VT ski area to get to from boston, with exception of ascutney and S6.

for myself, this past season i had big plans for new ski areas. but i don't like going to new places unless conditions are good so i get a good feel for my first impression. on the "new to me" list for the 04-05 season continue to be dartmouth skiway, smuggs, saddleback, middlebury snowbowl, and stowe (if i can find a good deal!).

 

[RISkier]

I guess Burke would be doable as a day trip but it takes us 70 minutes or so to Boston (might be able to cut a bit of that off) but we'd be looking at at least 4 hours on each end. Probably would have found that a more appealing day trip back in my misguided youth.

 

[teachski]

I guess Burke would be doable as a day trip but it takes us 70 minutes or so to Boston (might be able to cut a bit of that off) but we'd be looking at at least 4 hours on each end. Probably would have found that a more appealing day trip back in my misguided youth.

The Comfort Inn and Suites in St. Johnsbury offers a great ski and stay package. I think it's $159 for 2, this includes the room and 2 ski tickets, continental breakfast(better than most), indoor pool, hot tub, sauna fitness center and a few deals at other local establishments, at least that is what it was last year.http://www.vtcomfortinnsuites.com/vermont–skiing.html

 

[Greg]

can't you just jump on I-91 and zip straight up there greg?

I can get to the Vermont border on 91 in about 2 hours. How far is it from there?

 

[RISkier]

Gonna have to check out that Comfort Inn in St. Johnsbury -- sounds like an excellent weekend deal for the better half and me.

 

[Charlie Schuessler]

For someplace different in New England, I'd like to spend a weekend at Whiteface in NY and a a few days at Burke in VT. Out west I'm looking at Snowbird.

 

[Greg]

can't you just jump on I-91 and zip straight up there greg?

I can get to the Vermont border on 91 in about 2 hours. How far is it from there?

Burke's Directions page indicates they are 3 1/2 hours from Hartford. It takes me 30 minutes to get to Hartford at best, so 4 hours is a bit far for a day trip. Throw some winter weather in the mix and it's not even reasonable. My rule of thumb is that I have to be on skis at least as long as I'll be in the car. 3 1/2 hours is my one-way drive time limit for a day trip.

 

[riverc0il]

word. wasn't sure where you were in CT, but i figured it'd be under 4 hours from hartford. yea, 4 hours is definitely approaching my limit for a day trip. that's why i haven't gotten up to smuggs and saddleback yet as i'm a solo skier with no one to room up with (ski packages are always double occupency). fortunately for us, burke, smuggs, and saddleback all have plentiful terrain that could take a full weekend to explore (and then some if you know where to look!).

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

Saddleback, Jay, Sugarbush, Ski Pajarito...

 

[Greg]

I may try to do a Sugarbush/Mad River Glen visit this season. Does anyone know if there is shuttle service between the two?

 

[loafer89]

I would like to try the smaller ski areas in the Sugarloaf area such as:

Lost Valley, Mt Abrahm, Eaton Mtn, Titicomb and especially Black Mtn of Maine with its new summit chair and increased.

I always want to visit new areas when I am in Miane, but somehow Sugarloaf always keeps me occupied for the whole trip. This season will also feature an improved Saddleback, so that option must also be figured into the mix.

Decisions Decisions

 

[ChileMass]

Loafer -

Lost Valley and Titcomb are truly small hills (<350' vertical apiece), and there really ain't a lot there. Unless you're completing some sort of list of smaller hills, that's a long way to go from Long Island for a little bit of skiing. Mt. Abram is a bit bigger, but still a pretty rustic ski experience. If however, you really are looking for a throwback weekend, these 3 could do the trick. Maine still has a few Mom & Pop hills (like Titcomb) that are kinda cool old-time places. Saddleback is another Mom & Pop but much bigger, although Rangeley really is the middle of nowhere.

A recommendation is Shawnee Peak (formerly Pleasant Mt) in Bridgeton which has about 1300' of vert and nice view of Moose Pond. Good medium sized hill sort of on the way to Sunday River.......

 

[pragmaticskier]

I may try to do a Sugarbush/Mad River Glen visit this season. Does anyone know if there is shuttle service between the two?

Valley Transit stops at MRG, Sugarbush and Waitsfield. I believe its free if I can find a new schedule next time I'm up (this Saturday) I'll let you know the web site and schedule.

I believe some lodging offers a combined ticket. MRG has announced pricing ($50 a day) but you can buy a mad card before December for $99, 3 tickets good any day during the season.

 

[Yooper]

I returned from a trip to Quebec last week and stopped by Mont Sainte Anne out of curiosity, even though its only September it sure looked interesting. Would really like to give it a run this winter. Lift ticket prices certainly are right, Canadian Doller exchange rate you know is great right now.

 

[nekgirl]

Loafer -

A recommendation is Shawnee Peak (formerly Pleasant Mt) in Bridgeton which has about 1300' of vert and nice view of Moose Pond. Good medium sized hill sort of on the way to Sunday River.......

Good recommendation!! I really like shawnee peak and try to visit a couple of times a winter.